Gas-based power projects: Plan to add 2,600MW to grid before summer

There is also a proposal to generate 3,600MW by use of 600mmcfd LNG as permanent solution

ISLAMABAD:

As Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf continues to ramp up pressure, Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N) -led government has decided to add 2,600 megawatt (MW) of electricity to the national grid through gas-based power projects to placate the public before the next summer.

The power load-shedding and high electricity prices have been a major concern for the masses, which are still facing worst power crisis despite decrease in demand due to diversion of gas from power plants to powerful lobbies of the textile industry.

Under the agreements, the textile units are supposed to get gas for nine months but now they are getting gas supply for the entire year due to the intervention of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.



However, sources in Ministry of Water and Power said Cabinet Committee on Energy (CCE), in its November 21 meeting held under the chairmanship of the PM, gave the nod to gas-based projects for adding 2,600 MW of energy to the system by April 15, 2015.

According to sources, the prime minister was informed that the additional 2,600 MW electricity will be produced through 325mmcfd LNG allocations, on-site power generation through raw gas and short-term LNG power projects. It was also decided that the excess LNG would be given to the CNG industry.

It was also proposed that 3,600 MW be generated by use of 600mmcfd LNG as permanent solution. Under this programme, six power plants with capacity of 600MW each will be installed. After completion of the programme, it will become possible to overcome the energy woes of the country.

Sources said the PM is also actively pursuing Clean Affordable Reliable Energy (CARE) programme, which will add 2,600 MW of power to the existing system, which currently has a generation capacity of 21,000 MW.

During the meeting, the premier was told that after their completion, CARE programme, Nandipur, Guddu and Quaid-e-Azam Solar Park power projects will add 28% additional power to the national grid and load shedding will reduce significantly.

The CCE was told that negotiations were underway with Chinese investors to set up coal-based power plants in the country. The meeting was further informed that Chinese leadership had conveyed the importance of completion of power projects by 2017.

The prime minister advised to take up the issues of power projects with Chinese counterpart very carefully. He emphasised that every effort must be made not to disappoint the Chinese, whose biggest concern was the security of their manpower in Pakistan.

The PM also categorically directed to complete energy projects on fast track basis by overcoming all impediments.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 4^th, 2014.